Chavez worthy of honors
Carlos Bravo
Normally, I wouldn’t subject myself to comment on any ridiculous statements made by the benighted, but the remarks made by Raymond Herrera ("Speaker blasts observance of Chavez holiday," March 3) could not be ignored. He believes the contributions made by military members of Mexican descent should receive honors over those made for Cesar Chavez. Well, they do. It’s called Veterans Day. It’s a day when all veterans are recognized for their service to country.
Cesar Chavez should receive all the accolades he receives and more. Through the efforts of Mr. Chavez, attention was raised and given to the carcinogenic pesticides used in such agricultural products as grapes, tomatoes and lettuce, to name a few. Mr. Chavez’s activism was not only extended to Latinos, he also worked to improve wages for Filipino farm laborers. Mr. Chavez’s opposition to the federal Bracero Program shed light on the government’s undermining of American labor, migrant workers and fair wages.
While the sacrifice of our military men and women should be recognized, so should the sacrifice of Cesar Chavez. To undermine his efforts to improve conditions for farm labor is an insult. Cesar Chavez once said, "To be a man, you must suffer for others." God help us all be men.
While the sacrifice of our military men and women should be recognized, so should the sacrifice of Cesar Chavez. To undermine his efforts to improve conditions for farm labor is an insult. Cesar Chavez once said, "To be a man, you must suffer for others." God help us all be men.